AgroPages-Bayer and BASF to introduce GMO soybean seeds in Brazil-Agricultural news

−− Aim is to break up Monsanto’s reign in the country

Mar. 15, 2016

Soybean farmers in Brazil could have more options for choosing GMO seeds as Bayer and BASF are working to introduce seeds of their own to rival Monsanto in the market.

Bayer CropScience will sell soybean varieties for the upcoming October planting season that can withstand Liberty herbicide; another option for farmers to weigh over Monsanto’s glyphosate-resistant seeds.

Bayer sold its soybean and corn seed assets in Brazil nearly 10 years ago and this will mark the company’s first venture in the South American country since then.

Bayer’s seed director in Brazil, Eduardo Mazzieri, said farmers should have options when choosing their seeds.

BASF will also offer herbicide-resistant soybean varieties for the upcoming planting season. The Cultivance trait was developed with research from Embrapa, a research company run by Brazil’s federal government.

Bayer and BASF will be challenged to enter Brazil’s GMO soybean seed market.

According to the recent WASDE report by the United States Department of Agriculture, Brazil is projected to produce about 100 million metric tons of soybeans in 2015/16.